AR's Complete First Round Mock (3/2/06 Version)

Okay, here's my first mock of the season:

1. Houston Texans: Reggie Bush, RB, USCWhile there will be talk about a trade, and concerns about Bush's ability to play on every down, in the end the Texans won't want to be the team that passes on a guy with Bush's talent.

2. New Orleans: Jay Cutler, QB, VanderbiltFirst surprise will come early. Matt Leinart will raise concerns in Pro Day workout by demonstrating marginal arm strength, vaulting Cutler to the top of the draft.

3. Tennessee Titans: Vince Young, QB, TexasAfter losing steam following Wonderlikgate, Young will impress in workouts and will be the choice to replace aging Steve McNair.

4. New York Jets: D'Brickshaw Ferguson, OT, VirginiaJets will be scared off by Leinart's workout as well, and will instead go with a near sure-thing prospect to anchor their O line.

5. Green Bay Packers: Mario Williams, DE, NC StatePerfect match of a great talent and a team that needs a pass rusher. They won't need ten minutes to make this choice.

6. San Francisco Niners: Vernon Davis, TE, MarylandAs Ram fans moan, the Niners will get Alex Smith a big, fast, target. But, like the Rams, they probably would be better off with a defensive player.

7. Oakland Raiders: Matt Leinart, QB, USCAl Davis won't be able to pass up the California Golden Boy. With Kerry Collins on the outs, Leinart could be a starter as a rookie.

Re: AR's Complete First Round Mock (3/2/06 Version)

Re: AR's Complete First Round Mock (3/2/06 Version)

I'm surprised to see Omar Jacobs has landed in your first round. I have him as my #4 QB behind Leinart, Cutler, and Croyle. I dont really expect to see Jacobs gone until the late second to early third round.

Re: AR's Complete First Round Mock (3/2/06 Version)

That's part of the fun of Mock Drafts, though. Its easy to do a mock consisting entirely of "conventional wisdom" first round talents. But, ultimately, there are players taken in the first round every year that nobody anticipated would go in the first round (or who go earlier than expected). I like trying to find those players. Maybe I'll be way off. Who knows?

Re: AR's Complete First Round Mock (3/2/06 Version)

I'm also not of the belief that Arizona will take a RB. I think they're going to try and trade out of the #10 spot and select an O-Lineman later on. I just dont think that Green is ready to give up on JJ Arrington.

I agree with you on Jacobs though. He's going to be a stud in the NFL eventually. I think this draft is deeper at QB than a lot of people want to believe. You have guys like Leinart, Cutler, Croyle, and Jacobs who I believe are all day one guys who should be top QBs in the league in just a few seasons. I'm not a fan of a guy like Vince Young, I think he's going to be a bust in the NFL at the QB position. I think he might have a future at WR though with his size and speed.

Re: AR's Complete First Round Mock (3/2/06 Version)

That's part of the fun of Mock Drafts, though. Its easy to do a mock consisting entirely of "conventional wisdom" first round talents. But, ultimately, there are players taken in the first round every year that nobody anticipated would go in the first round (or who go earlier than expected). I like trying to find those players. Maybe I'll be way off. Who knows?

I have just hired Avenger to represent me in any of my statement regarding draft picks. This is exactly how I feel about mocks leading up to the draft. Once in awhile you have to think out side of the box.

Re: AR's Complete First Round Mock (3/2/06 Version)

Going back to the issue of Omar Jacobs... if he were still on the board when the Rams select in the 3rd Round (as Nick suggested he might be), I'd take him. Sure, the Rams don't need a QB, but I can't imagine that there will be anyone (at any position) even close to his talent level still on the board at that stage in the draft.

Re: AR's Complete First Round Mock (3/2/06 Version)

Last year's selection of Alex Barron?

Good point, but one of the few exceptions in recent memory. RamsFan16's post confirms that. Let's hope they do go for the "no-brainer this year, and pick Huff if he is still available. Seems like the temptation to pick the best athlete, and not filling the biggest need, is often just too attractive for the powers above who make the decisions.